Senior Project Control Associate, G7, FTA. San Jose

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</script></div> FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability (key results that will be achieved)

- Quality assurance of project agreements is provided in accordance with applicable UNHCR rules and regulations.
- Resources transferred to implementing partners are utilized for the intended purposes and in accordance with project agreements.
- Performance delivery and financial expenditure reported by implementing partners are accurate and consistent.
- Sufficient and adequate internal controls are in place for the management of projects and activities.
- Supervisors are promptly informed of risks and major variances in the execution of projects (budgets, finance, implementation or timeframe).

Responsibility (process and functions undertaken to achieve results)

- Contribute to reviewing the internal control systems of implementing partners.
- Contribute to reviewing that IP agreements are in conformity with Country Operation Plans and UNHCR¿s rules, policies and procedures.
- Monitor that a complete record is maintained for all projects.
- Contribute to reviewing, analyzing and verifying Financial and Performance Implementing Partner Reports (Part I-IPFR and Part II-IPR), and to checking accuracy and consistency between IPFR and IPR, in accordance with project agreements.
- Ensure that the funds obligated under an IP agreement permit the payment of the next installment or a disbursement, confirming the status of installments already paid.
- Support timely project closure in coordination with the programme unit.
- Contribute to tracking the management of project risks in collaboration with the programme unit, and report major risks to senior management.
- Monitor, track and verify that expenditure for direct implementation by UNHCR is in line with the approved budget.
- Bring to the attention of supervisors and programme officers any significant variances at the office level in: budget execution, percentage of project execution, time schedule, and quality of projects against specifications or terms and conditions.
- Maintain professional relationships with implementing partners.
- Keep up-to-date with all UNHCR rules, regulations and procedures necessary to perform these duties.
- Perform other duties as required.

Authority

- Escalate IP issues to supervisors.
- Recommend acceptance or non-acceptance of IPRs and payment of instalments.
- Advise on improvements related to project management and internal controls.
- Contact implementing partners for project related matters.
- Have unlimited access to financial and operational records relating to projects.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. 
- 4 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher in Accounting, Auditing, Business Administration, Finance, Project Management or related financial field.
- Excellent computer skills, in particular in MS Office applications.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Fluency in Spanish and English.

(In offices where the working language is not English, excellent knowledge of UN working language of duty station and working knowledge of English.)

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES.  Describe any experience or knowledge that would be an asset, such as: UNHCR Learning Programmes, other training, additional languages, Field/HQs experience, etc.

- Good knowledge of United Nations financial rules and procedures.
- Good understanding of accrual accounting (such as IPSAS or IFRS).
- Working experience with ERP financial modules (such as PeopleSoft, Oracle or SAP).
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See below for this postion's Operational Context
======================================================================================================== The primary functions of project control are to complement programme management and provide support for oversight of projects including the formulation of a monitoring plan, quality assurance, and verification. Other activities of project control include: review of project agreements, project audit, monitoring that there is synchrony between financial and operational performance, participation in multi-functional monitoring activities and reviews, tracking project risk management, and supporting project closure.

It is essential to maintain segregation of duties between project control and programme functions for effective accountability and oversight. Where there is no Project Control Officer, General Service staff performing project control functions should report directly to the Head of Office.

The Senior Project Control Associate receives general guidance and work plans from the supervisor. They work independently on regular assignments under the supervision of the Project Control Officer or to the same management level as programme. The incumbent normally supervises other general service staff.

Project Control staff play a very important role in maintaining harmonious and effective partnerships, and often interact with implementing partners. As a result, incumbents need to be very mindful of all dimensions of partnerships in their interaction with partners (in accordance with the Principles of Partnership, the Code of Conduct and other relevant documents). If you wish to be considered for this vacancy, please submit your application according the following instructions:

Candidates with access to the system MSRP (internal candidates):

- Your application must be submitted through:
MSRP _Self-Service_Recruiting_Careers_Costa Rica_Senior Project Control Associate

Duration: initially for a period of one (1) year.

1. For any technical issues encountered during the online application, please contact the Global Service Desk (hqussd@unhcr.org) prior to the deadline to allow enough time to resolve issues.
2. For any questions about the selection process, please contact Human Resources (cossarrhh@unhcr.org).

Closing date for submissions or applications is 21 December 2020, (midnight Geneva time) 17:00 hours (Costa Rica time).

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a written test and/or oral interview. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing or any other fees).

UNHCR strongly encourages qualified female applicants for this position. UNHCR seeks to ensure that male and female employees are given equal career opportunities. UNHCR is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.